X Games
X Games is transitioning from an event model to a team-based league model, beginning in 2026.
Backed by MSP Sports Capital, the new X Games League (XGL) will debut a year-round competition calendar designed to allow athletes to earn more than the $2.4M already allocated in prize purses.
XGL will have both a summer and a winter league, and MSP and X Games are in the marketplace finding investors to back teams.
“We’ve used Formula 1 as a model for this new X Games League,” said Jeff Moorad, executive chairman of X Games and principal of MSP. He added there will be new commercial opportunities to accelerate the growth of X Games and create a “sustainable future.”
Teams will have owners and be cross disciplined, and the league plans to start with four winter and four summer teams, with expansion expected. Competition schedules will include X Games signature events and collaborations with other existing competitions.
ESPN will remain a minority and linear TV partner.
The strategy is designed to provide the athletes with guaranteed compensation and additional commercial opportunities, such as sponsorships and team-specific merchandise.
“We’ve been developing this since MSP invested in the property and key stakeholders throughout the industry, including athletes, have been very supportive,” said Scott Guglielmino, president and COO of X Games.
MSP closed its majority stake acquisition in the X Games in 2022, and ESPN Productions maintained minority ownership.
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